Understanding how certain viruses prevent infections from other viruses
Official title: Mechanisms and dynamics of superinfection exclusion in microviral prophage populations
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11290272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny viruses that infect bacteria to see how they protect themselves from getting attacked by other viruses, which could help us understand more about how viruses behave in our gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $71,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI183169-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gut microbiome imbalances or those affected by bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections unrelated to bacterial interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how small viruses that infect bacteria, known as microviruses, protect themselves from being infected by other viruses. By examining the genetic variations in these viruses, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms they use to defend against superinfection. The researchers will compare different microviral strains and test how specific genetic changes affect their ability to resist infections. This work could provide insights into viral behavior and interactions in the human gut.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling bacterial infections by enhancing our understanding of viral defenses.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of superinfection exclusion in microviruses are less explored, similar research in other viral systems has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirchberger, Paul — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Kirchberger, Paul
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.